Pastoral Letter November 20, 2011

My Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,

I have been a member of this parish community for over 7 ½ years now. I brought my family over from All Saints Parish and settled here as I journeyed forward through formation and ultimately to ordination as a Permanent Deacon. It was here where I received my first assignment and began exercising my office. Throughout this time I feel that I have served the community to the best of my abilities as I Proclaimed the Gospels and evangelized the faith. Throughout this time period I have experienced new things that have both validated my office and challenged me. I grew in my faith and knowledge as I progressed upon my own journey of faith. I felt both blessed and honored to be accepted into this community and have come to know each and every one of you as friends.

There have also been some unique circumstances within this parish community which have impacted us all in different ways. Over the past year and a half, I have lost my spiritual director and have been asked to perform many tasks and functions which have taken away from my own continuing formation and development. Personally, I had to deal with circumstances that I have never had to deal with before in a parish setting while in my professional capacity I had to do the same with the strike situation at the Methuen Distribution Center of Shaw’s Supermarkets. It was not uncommon for me to be working over 100 hours per week as a deacon and as a manager at the Shaw’s Distribution Center all the while attempting to maintain a stable family life. This continued up until the present time as I have tried to stabilize all areas which I have found myself involved in.

I was pleased to make the sacrifices and have never complained but in the end there are things that cannot be ignored: I have only been on retreat once in almost four years, I have no spiritual director, I have ignored my continuing development, and my family has shared these sacrifices along with me.

Recently, I took on the role as Chaplain at the Nashua Street Jail in Boston for Suffolk County, which was the first action regarding continued formation and development within the Permanent Diaconate that I had done in quite some time. This ministry has produced much fruit and a spiritual awakening; but there is much more that I have to do regarding spiritual and professional development. After much deliberation, conversations with Father Murray, and prayer, we feel that it is time that my ministries come to an end at Saint John the Baptist Church. This is a hard painful decision that Father Murray and I have not arrived at lightly and we agree that this is the best path forward. We believe that Christ had called me to serve this parish and brought me here for a particular purpose and now that purpose has ended.

In life and ministry there comes a time where hard decisions have to be made and this is one of the hardest that I have had to come to. In the end, it is felt that it is the right decision.

The Archdiocese of Boston has assigned me officially to the Nashua Street Jail as the Chaplain and has asked that my ministries be concentrated there for the time being. I have also been instructed to find a spiritual director and focus on continued development. I will be assigned a “home parish” within the next few weeks as my time here ends on November 20^th, the Feast of Christ the King.

I will always consider Saint John the Baptist as my family and will hold each and every one of its parishioners near and dear to my heart. I truly love you all and ask for you to pray for me and I will pray for you.

Yours always and forever in Christ,

Deacon Tom Anthony

Pastoral Letter 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Brothers & Sisters in Christ:

Children misbehave. That is one of the things that can be expected when interacting with or raising children: they won't always be perfect and they will make mistakes. It is through these errors and behaviors that children learn what boundaries, rules, and expectations are. Without the experience of making a mistake or doing something wrong, a child cannot grow and fully understand the reasons behind why he or she can or cannot do something. Learned experiences provide some the most valuable insight into a person and how they relate to others. Through the guidance of parents and mentors these experiences take on an even deeper meaning. By following guidelines set forth by them, a child formulates a structure to live by and gages what is truly right and wrong. Guided by a conscious and these lessons, the child develops and grows, hopefully shaping its personhood by all of these things mentioned.

This can be said about our own faith and relationship with God. We are His children and as Jesus himself said, to enter his kingdom one must become like a child. Our spirituality and relationship with God is constantly being shaped by the way we approach it. Through prayer, sacred scripture, and the Church we learn how to follow God's plan for us and what He wants us to do with our time on this earth. There is a certain way we are expected to act and functions to perform as Christians endowed with the gift of eternal salvation. We are asked to open our hearts to God and evangelize that same faith which has become an intricate part of our lives.

At the same time we must realize that we are not perfect and will fall short of God's expectations and our own: we came to Christ broken and in many ways will remain broken until we achieve perfection through Jesus Christ when we are finally reunited with him for eternity. Many times, like children, we will have an inclination to do wrong or will make mistakes created through our own ignorance or sinful nature.

Just as a child will act out in defiance to a parent and do something that it knows is "against the rules" so will we be tempted to do the same; many times regardless of the known consequences. This is a

regardles of Original Sin and our fallen nature. We will be tested and will at times fail that test.

When we do fail the test we must acknowledge our imperfections and ask for forgiveness through the only way that we can be made whole again: The Sacrament of Reconciliation. Through this wonderful Sacrament, we can reestablish our relationship with God. This is a true exemplification of His love for us that He offers us the chance of forgiveness by acknowledging what we did was wrong. All we need to do is come forward and recognize our mistake. If we do not do this, there is a great risk that not only the act itself, but the overwhelming guilt that accompanies it can become an impediment to the reception of God's love and our relationship with Him. It becomes a stumbling block.

Jesus ministered to those who needed him the most: the sinner, the downtrodden, and the forgotten. As they were lifted up, all of humanity was lifted up out of the darkness. To lift up an object from the ground, you must grab it from the bottom and that is exactly what Jesus did when he ministered to the neediest in society. And the first step when being ministered to is acknowledging the necessity that what is being spoken

C,being needs to be heard. Jesus Christ died for everyone. He loves everyone the same regardless of what was done in the past and what might happen in the future. He truly hopes that His love will influence us and strengthen us so as to live our entire lives obeying His words and acknowledging that love through actions which emulate it. Yet, there will be those times where that same love will be the only thing that will be able to rescue us, comfort us, and make us whole; especially when we have turned our backs on Him by sinning.

Jesus is not only there when times are good. He is also there when we need Him the most and that is when we can truly understand the Crucified Christ and what He did for us for one simple reason: We are His children and He loves us.         

Yours in Christ, Deacon Tom

Holy Hour Homily

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30TH AT St John the Baptist Church, Haverhill, Ma

“A special evening was dedicated to Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Evening Prayer, and the Rosary.”

Sponsored by Mass Citizens for Life Haverhill,
Knights of Columbus Council 202
And the Marian Society of Saint John the Baptist Church

Pastoral Letter For Aug 28, 2011

“You duped me, Oh Lord, and I let myself be duped! You were too strong for me and you triumphed.”

These worlds come from the Prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament Reading this week. I feel that we all can relate to this circumstance. We are taught to make Christ the central aspect of our lives both spiritually and in our actions and deeds. To fully understand our relationship with Christ we must understand that he has to be ever-present in our thoughts and be reflective in what we do. We are Children of God and with that comes a certain responsibility being representatives of the Church. This includes during times of crisis where we might find ourselves praying to God in earnest to unburden us from our pain and anxiety. Usually, when we do this, there is a time of great tribulation where there appears to be no hope and only He offers the solace that we long for. In our humanness, along with this exercise, comes moments of doubt and fear. Will God hear us? Will He answer our prayers and make everything better? Is God even listening? This can become a real trial of faith. It is always easier to give God praise when things are going well. When times are bad is when we are truly tested.

Just like when a bad storm finally passes, so do most times of turbulence and we find ourselves emerging with a stronger faith and appreciation for our creator. We can look back and laugh at our doubt. He is indeed carrying us during these times and the Crucified Christ takes on a very important meaning; for it is through suffering that we receive a special grace and understanding from Christ. Through times like these we are given a small glimpse of a personified Passion and Christ's Sacrifice. We are taught that many things in our lives are beyond our control and that we must turn things over to God so that He may offer His guidance and support. We must open ourselves completely and surrender to His love so that we may truly understand our faith and live our lives according to His word. When this is done, our faith is put into action and takes on a whole new meaning. We are able to accept the good with the bad and understand nothing is forever except for God himself and His love for us.

The Gospel Reading today displays this in a particular way. Christ understands what he has to do and knows that this is the will of the Father, yet Peter is quick to offer the human alternative; refusing to surrender to God's will and instead offering a path of resistance. This is indeed a temptation: Do we have the complete ability to control everything in our lives regardless of its immensity or must we admit that some things must are beyond our control and that we must surrender them to God? Surrendering to God and trusting in His love is a wonderful display of our faith and can only make it stronger. Suffering together with Christ is something that He himself encourages. It offers a pathway to happiness and a fuller relationship with Him. Standing up and admitting that we are not perfect is the first step in an amazing journey to become closer to Him.

We can also share our suffering within the Christian Community and help those of us around us. The Book of Job offers us this example, especially when Job exclaims, “Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” When we display our faith and reflect what Christ teaches we can serve as an example to others just as others have the ability to do the same to us. There is a perpetual sharing that benefits the entire community. It is through sharing and support that a community grows stronger. Each of us take on the responsibility of the other. We can feel each others' happiness and each others' pain. Doing this within the shadow of Christ lifts up the entire community and only makes it stronger.

Together, with Christ, we can overcome anything.

The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field

      During the summer months we are encouraged to take some time for ourselves and our families; to take a step back and enjoy the company of those closest to us. The opportunity is there for us to either slow down a bit or remove ones-self from some duties and responsibilities to make way for recreation. Not only is this good mentally and physically, but it also serves its purpose in the spiritual sense. In our spiritual lives, we are often directed what to read and what to do in response to events around us. The Church Calendar, parish events, religious education, and ongoing catechesis are some of the areas which dictate what direction we are to head in. We find ourselves responding to what needs to be done.

This is healthy and also points to a healthy Christian Community but it is also healthy to ask, “What about me and what I want to do?” Just like the secular world, religious life also has a “back burner” where all sorts of stuff can be set aside. There are certain books one might want to read or maybe a special trip to a shrine or chapel on a small pilgrimage. Whatever it is, it has been set in the back of the mind to be addressed and enjoyed at some other time. The challenge is this: “When will it be that time?” If we are able to carefully plan some time away to spend with our families and friends, why can’t we do the same thing with God? If we feel called to do something to further our own Journey of Faith, then shouldn’t we respond to that call? The ramifications of not responding to that call can be a lot more harmful and disheartening than turning to Christ and immersing ourselves in His love.

We are presented with a wonderful opportunity this summer. We just have to acknowledge what it is and react to it. Over the past several weeks, we have been listening to Jesus’ Parables in the Gospel. Each one possesses an undeniable truth of our faith and can add to the fulfillment that we all can work towards this summer. The Book of Matthew may just be the perfect Book in the Bible to start reading for those looking for more scripture in their lives. This Sunday, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven being like a buried treasure in a field. We are the ones who have found it and now are commissioned to treat it as it is: God’s gift to us. To further appreciate its value, we must understand it and its relationship to us. This is only possible through Jesus Christ.

We all have something we want to do; something that is completely different for ourselves in relationship to Jesus. Is there any reason why we should deny ourselves any longer. For the very same reason why we make time for the beach, the barbeque, and family fun we should also be making the time for those special things that have been set aside long enough. We should also approach them the same way we approach any summer activity: with anticipation and happiness.

During the summer months we are encouraged to take some time for ourselves and our families; to take a step back and enjoy the company of those closest to us. The opportunity is there for us to either slow down a bit or remove ones-self from some duties and responsibilities to make way for recreation. Not only is this good mentally and physically, but it also serves its purpose in the spiritual sense. In our spiritual lives, we are often directed what to read and what to do in response to events around us. The Church Calendar, parish events, religious education, and ongoing catechesis are some of the areas which dictate what direction we are to head in. We find ourselves responding to what needs to be done.

This is healthy and also points to a healthy Christian Community but it is also healthy to ask, “What about me and what I want to do?” Just like the secular world, religious life also has a “back burner” where all sorts of stuff can be set aside. There are certain books one might want to read or maybe a special trip to a shrine or chapel on a small pilgrimage. Whatever it is, it has been set in the back of the mind to be addressed and enjoyed at some other time. The challenge is this: “When will it be that time?” If we are able to carefully plan some time away to spend with our families and friends, why can’t we do the same thing with God? If we feel called to do something to further our own Journey of Faith, then shouldn’t we respond to that call? The ramifications of not responding to that call can be a lot more harmful and disheartening than turning to Christ and immersing ourselves in His love.

We are presented with a wonderful opportunity this summer. We just have to acknowledge what it is and react to it. Over the past several weeks, we have been listening to Jesus’ Parables in the Gospel. Each one possesses an undeniable truth of our faith and can add to the fulfillment that we all can work towards this summer. The Book of Matthew may just be the perfect Book in the Bible to start reading for those looking for more scripture in their lives. This Sunday, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven being like a buried treasure in a field. We are the ones who have found it and now are commissioned to treat it as it is: God’s gift to us. To further appreciate its value, we must understand it and its relationship to us. This is only possible through Jesus Christ.

We all have something we want to do; something that is completely different for ourselves in relationship to Jesus. Is there any reason why we should deny ourselves any longer. For the very same reason why we make time for the beach, the barbeque, and family fun we should also be making the time for those special things that have been set aside long enough. We should also approach them the same way we approach any summer activity: with anticipation and happiness.

Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ

For the past several weeks we have been given a wonderful opportunity through the Church Calendar to examine important truths of our faith and to look at them through the perspective of mass and Christian Fellowship. On Pentecost, we heard about God’s Love and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Last week we examined the Holy Trinity and its relationship to us and the Church. This Sunday, we celebrate The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This is the foundation of our mass and that everlasting gift that Christ gave to us in the form of a Sacramental Grace so that we may experience His presence and love more fully every day of our lives. When we gather together to celebrate mass, it is of course to celebrate the Eucharist in community and Christian Fellowship, but we cannot forget the valuable knowledge and understanding we can gain simply by listening to the words that are spoken and the meaning they are trying to convey. 

To fully appreciate this we must first and foremost be aware that the mass is divided into two Liturgies: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Word begins the mass and ends with the Prayers of the Faithful. In the Liturgy of the Word, we are invited celebrate our faith, profess it, and listen to the words of Sacred Scripture; meditating on their meaning. We are challenged to open our hearts to the message of God and to have it affect us in a spiritual way. There can obviously be an application to our own experiences in life and what we might be going through at that moment or it might be something that can be applied to our journey of faith. That is the beauty of Sacred Scripture: it is timeless and filled with God’s wisdom. The Homily is tailored so as to open the scripture to the faithful and assist us all in this area. Through this liturgy, we are afforded the opportunity to deepen our knowledge and understanding of our faith, but we must focus on what is being said. We must concentrate on the words that are being spoken to us, for they are indeed the Word of God. He definitely has something to say to us and He is asking us to listen. 

For the past several weeks, the Church has been telling us a story. It is a story of God’s Love in action and the working of the Holy Trinity. Together, in the light of God’s Love and the Holy Trinity, we are then presented with the Eucharist. It is being handed to us to keep and to hold close to our hearts. As we look at it being raised before us, how wonderful would it be to recall the words of Moses, “"Do not forget the LORD, your God.” As it is placed gently into our hands Paul says to us, “we, though many, are one body.” And finally, as it is consumed, we are reminded by Christ Himself: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.”

Through mass we are able to experience everything in one climatic moment. The Word of God leads to His Living Body and Blood to be given to us who deserve it the least but need it the most. Then we leave filled with His Grace and Love; knowing full well that we are in receipt of something very special.

A Note About Pentecost

We are frequently told throughout Sacred Scriptures how to conduct ourselves and interact with one another within community and within a family setting. These rules of conduct become an expectation if we are to live a full, devout, and fulfilling Christian Life. Going against these rules or justifying our actions leads to shortcomings and a less satisfying existence with Our Lord Jesus Christ. It also leads to conflict within us and a disordered life full of confusion. This we already know; our conscious is our guide and tells us this readily. More than an instruction manual, though, Sacred Scripture Offers us a key to understanding God and thus our relationship with Him. And knowing God is to understand His love for us and our love for Him.

It is very important to understand that love that God has for us, for as we explore that, we are exploring that third part of the Trinity: the Holy Spirit: the Love of God in motion: the Act of God’s Love. We listened today as the Holy Sprit descended upon the Apostles and they were then sent out into the world to preach the Message of Salvation. They left that Upper Room of Doubt and its Security and stepped out into the world fully understanding what they had to do. Whatever misgivings they had were replaced by that Spirit. And that Spirit gave them the strength, ability, and knowledge to carry on.



As with the Apostles, we too are receivers of God’s Love and also those special gifts that come with it. As an intricate part of God’s creation we are touched by His Love, through Sacramental Graces we feel the presence of His Love continuously throughout our lives, and as we open our hearts to Him, we are more apt to feel the presence of His Spirit.



Through His Spirit we are able to see His work in our lives and in the world and are able to comprehend how we need to live our lives as followers of Christ. We can understand the difference between right and wrong and have the ability to choose right. We can overcome our fears and take risks as followers of Christ. We start to understand God more and are humbled by His presence: we have a reverence for Him and for His Church. And first and foremost, we fear Him in a loving way. These are known as the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.

With these Gifts we become whole in our relationship to God as His children. And with these Gifts, we can come forward in service to God and His Church. Filled with the Holy Spirit and Confirmed with the Holy Spirit, we can be focused on doing what is right and proper in accordance with God’s Plan. Our individual talents and capabilities are now oriented towards the Greater Good and the Expectancies of Savior Jesus Christ.

We all have that choice to respond to Him and respond to His Love or to turn away and do our own thing. We can build up things around us in His Name and perform acts of charity as He asks us to do or we can walk away. It is no coincidence that as we act and do things in His Name that we feel good. We can actually feel God’s Love within ourselves and feel the Spirit alive within ourselves. When we don’t, there is a hole; a deep emptiness that threatens to overpower us.

And those feelings are not limited to us alone. All of us have that capability to influence others around us for better or for worse. We can lift ourselves up to the greatest heights and help those around us and we can pull ourselves down dragging others with us also.

This becomes a great responsibility. Each and every one of us is important in the eyes of Christ and in the eyes of the Christian Faithful. We cannot lose sight of this. And we cannot let society lose sight of this either. When it does, terrible things are apt to happen.

You can see a life with Christ and compare it with a life without Christ: a society where every living human being, born and unborn, is cherished and loved; where the human condition is above materialism and consumerism; where the thoughts and feelings of each person matters. This is what we stand for. This is what we believe. And this is what Christ wants us to do. Christ asks us to come forward and use our gifts and talents in His name for the betterment of His creation and for the betterment of His Kingdom. And when we do this, He responds to our actions and deeds. We feel His Love alive within us. It moves us and surrounds us. It becomes undeniable. This is one of the main reasons why we are here today: called forward to worship and love God. We are then challenged as we are sent forth back into the world.

And what a wonderful challenge it is: to serve our Lord, Creator, and Master.

We are frequently told throughout Sacred Scriptures how to conduct ourselves and interact with one another within community and within a family setting. These rules of conduct become an expectation if we are to live a full, devout, and fulfilling Christian Life. Going against these rules or justifying our actions leads to shortcomings and a less satisfying existence with Our Lord Jesus Christ. It also leads to conflict within us and a disordered life full of confusion. This we already know; our conscious is our guide and tells us this readily. More than an instruction manual, though, Sacred Scripture Offers us a key to understanding God and thus our relationship with Him. And knowing God is to understand His love for us and our love for Him.

It is very important to understand that love that God has for us, for as we explore that, we are exploring that third part of the Trinity: the Holy Spirit: the Love of God in motion: the Act of God’s Love. We listened today as the Holy Sprit descended upon the Apostles and they were then sent out into the world to preach the Message of Salvation. They left that Upper Room of Doubt and its Security and stepped out into the world fully understanding what they had to do. Whatever misgivings they had were replaced by that Spirit. And that Spirit gave them the strength, ability, and knowledge to carry on.

As with the Apostles, we too are receivers of God’s Love and also those special gifts that come with it. As an intricate part of God’s creation we are touched by His Love, through Sacramental Graces we feel the presence of His Love continuously throughout our lives, and as we open our hearts to Him, we are more apt to feel the presence of His Spirit.

Through His Spirit we are able to see His work in our lives and in the world and are able to comprehend how we need to live our lives as followers of Christ. We can understand the difference between right and wrong and have the ability to choose right. We can overcome our fears and take risks as followers of Christ. We start to understand God more and are humbled by His presence: we have a reverence for Him and for His Church. And first and foremost, we fear Him in a loving way. These are known as the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.

With these Gifts we become whole in our relationship to God as His children. And with these Gifts, we can come forward in service to God and His Church. Filled with the Holy Spirit and Confirmed with the Holy Spirit, we can be focused on doing what is right and proper in accordance with God’s Plan. Our individual talents and capabilities are now oriented towards the Greater Good and the Expectancies of Savior Jesus Christ.

We all have that choice to respond to Him and respond to His Love or to turn away and do our own thing. We can build up things around us in His Name and perform acts of charity as He asks us to do or we can walk away. It is no coincidence that as we act and do things in His Name that we feel good. We can actually feel God’s Love within ourselves and feel the Spirit alive within ourselves. When we don’t, there is a hole; a deep emptiness that threatens to overpower us.

And those feelings are not limited to us alone. All of us have that capability to influence others around us for better or for worse. We can lift ourselves up to the greatest heights and help those around us and we can pull ourselves down dragging others with us also.

This becomes a great responsibility. Each and every one of us is important in the eyes of Christ and in the eyes of the Christian Faithful. We cannot lose sight of this. And we cannot let society lose sight of this either. When it does, terrible things are apt to happen.

You can see a life with Christ and compare it with a life without Christ: a society where every living human being, born and unborn, is cherished and loved; where the human condition is above materialism and consumerism; where the thoughts and feelings of each person matters. This is what we stand for. This is what we believe. And this is what Christ wants us to do. Christ asks us to come forward and use our gifts and talents in His name for the betterment of His creation and for the betterment of His Kingdom. And when we do this, He responds to our actions and deeds. We feel His Love alive within us. It moves us and surrounds us. It becomes undeniable. This is one of the main reasons why we are here today: called forward to worship and love God. We are then challenged as we are sent forth back into the world.

And what a wonderful challenge it is: to serve our Lord, Creator, and Master.

The Ascension

Imagine the spectrum of emotion that the Apostles and the rest of Jesus’ followers have gone through; from the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and the Ascension. Jesus is taken from them, returns, and then leaves once again. Through these events, Jesus’ message has been slowly revealed to them and their purpose within it.

But what an overpowering message and responsibility they are given. I would offer that human nature would raise the question: “Where do we start?”, “How are we supposed to accomplish what we have been invited to do?”

Then, they do the natural thing. They gather together in the upper room where they were staying and pray. They seek comfort in the presence of God and find themselves close to Christ being in that same place where he broke bread with them one last time. The very place where He instituted the Eucharist is where they return to. Here, possibly in the same room where Christ instituted the Eucharist, for is states the upper room a phrase of familiarity, is where we start to see the formation of the Early Church: a community gathering together immersed in prayer seeking guidance from God. And when they emerge from the upper room they are no longer the same. They become focused and begin to lay the foundation of their ministry.

Throughout the scriptures we are given a window into the humanness of Jesus’ followers and it is not only through their strength that we are able to learn more about our own faith and spirituality. It is more through their shortfalls and weaknesses that we are able to examine ourselves and our relationship with Christ. Many times, we already know what our obligations are and what we have to do. It is our very nature to look ahead: days, weeks, months, and even years. It is not uncommon to have a roadmap before us; a plan already in place. There are some more meticulous than others and there are those who prefer to “shoot from the hip,” so to speak. We have an intellect that we use to experience life before us. When the plan is followed and things run smooth is when we tend to coast; we get into a pattern and that pattern is very comfortable. Comfortable is good.

It is those times when confronted with adversity that some sort of crisis can arise; where faith can be questioned and doubts can be raised. It is here where we can receive our guidance from the Apostles, those before us who faced the most insurmountable challenges imagined. Being human, they too had their own doubts and felt overburdened by what they had to do. In the end, they brought it to prayer and turned it over to God. This we are encouraged to do. Through prayer we can bring clarity to life and its challenges. The simple act of prayer strengthens our relationship with Christ and has that ability to give all of us the support we need to circumvent obstacles and emerge from crisis all the more easily. It offers clarity and a safe-haven, as did the upper room to the Apostles.

But there is another aspect of prayer that cannot be forgotten. And that is prayers of thanks and appreciation. Through these prayers we can remind ourselves of the wonderful gifts that we have been given in our lives. We cannot ignore all the beautiful and glorious things that we have been given and the opportunities unique where we can seek comfort when we need it and love him because of what he has given us. Paul extols us that when we are troubled and are put to the test in matters of our faith to compare ourselves to the suffering Christ and all the more rejoice and celebrate that same faith. We can also bring this into our everyday life, knowing at all times that Christ is with us and loves us. Learn by his example and follow his example. Avoid the pitfalls and temptations of this world and keep the focus on him and his everlasting glory. Christ being central to our faith must also be central in our lives and the lives of our families. The more we live by the virtues of Christ, the more we will be able to shine forth as an example of the Christian Faith.

Christ taught us to pray by praying. He laid before us his own roadmap and plan for us. He prayed for us to the Father and continues to do so. We pray with him in the mass. Here in the mass we have a wonderful, beautiful liturgy that strengthens our faith with its celebration. The Church asks us to look beyond the Liturgy and see what is behind it. Jesus is present with us in this celebration and is praying amongst us. What a beautiful image that is. And what a wonderful truth. He is with us, immersing us with his love. It is sometimes easily to forget that as we go through the motions, but that is the ultimate truth of our faith: Jesus is here and he is also present in the Eucharist. The opportunity is there to feel him and truly be a part of the liturgy, an active participant, and not just an onlooker. It is all in how we approach it.

As Christ himself says, he is glorified within us. We are personally his in a very special way. That will never change.

Imagine the spectrum of emotion that the Apostles and the rest of Jesus’ followers have gone through; from the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and the Ascension. Jesus is taken from them, returns, and then leaves once again. Through these events, Jesus’ message has been slowly revealed to them and their purpose within it.

But what an overpowering message and responsibility they are given. I would offer that human nature would raise the question: “Where do we start?”, “How are we supposed to accomplish what we have been invited to do?”

Then, they do the natural thing. They gather together in the upper room where they were staying and pray. They seek comfort in the presence of God and find themselves close to Christ being in that same place where he broke bread with them one last time. The very place where He instituted the Eucharist is where they return to. Here, possibly in the same room where Christ instituted the Eucharist, for is states the upper room a phrase of familiarity, is where we start to see the formation of the Early Church: a community gathering together immersed in prayer seeking guidance from God. And when they emerge from the upper room they are no longer the same. They become focused and begin to lay the foundation of their ministry.

Throughout the scriptures we are given a window into the humanness of Jesus’ followers and it is not only through their strength that we are able to learn more about our own faith and spirituality. It is more through their shortfalls and weaknesses that we are able to examine ourselves and our relationship with Christ. Many times, we already know what our obligations are and what we have to do. It is our very nature to look ahead: days, weeks, months, and even years. It is not uncommon to have a roadmap before us; a plan already in place. There are some more meticulous than others and there are those who prefer to “shoot from the hip,” so to speak. We have an intellect that we use to experience life before us. When the plan is followed and things run smooth is when we tend to coast; we get into a pattern and that pattern is very comfortable. Comfortable is good.

It is those times when confronted with adversity that some sort of crisis can arise; where faith can be questioned and doubts can be raised. It is here where we can receive our guidance from the Apostles, those before us who faced the most insurmountable challenges imagined. Being human, they too had their own doubts and felt overburdened by what they had to do. In the end, they brought it to prayer and turned it over to God. This we are encouraged to do. Through prayer we can bring clarity to life and its challenges. The simple act of prayer strengthens our relationship with Christ and has that ability to give all of us the support we need to circumvent obstacles and emerge from crisis all the more easily. It offers clarity and a safe-haven, as did the upper room to the Apostles.

But there is another aspect of prayer that cannot be forgotten. And that is prayers of thanks and appreciation. Through these prayers we can remind ourselves of the wonderful gifts that we have been given in our lives. We cannot ignore all the beautiful and glorious things that we have been given and the opportunities unique where we can seek comfort when we need it and love him because of what he has given us. Paul extols us that when we are troubled and are put to the test in matters of our faith to compare ourselves to the suffering Christ and all the more rejoice and celebrate that same faith. We can also bring this into our everyday life, knowing at all times that Christ is with us and loves us. Learn by his example and follow his example. Avoid the pitfalls and temptations of this world and keep the focus on him and his everlasting glory. Christ being central to our faith must also be central in our lives and the lives of our families. The more we live by the virtues of Christ, the more we will be able to shine forth as an example of the Christian Faith.

Christ taught us to pray by praying. He laid before us his own roadmap and plan for us. He prayed for us to the Father and continues to do so. We pray with him in the mass. Here in the mass we have a wonderful, beautiful liturgy that strengthens our faith with its celebration. The Church asks us to look beyond the Liturgy and see what is behind it. Jesus is present with us in this celebration and is praying amongst us. What a beautiful image that is. And what a wonderful truth. He is with us, immersing us with his love. It is sometimes easily to forget that as we go through the motions, but that is the ultimate truth of our faith: Jesus is here and he is also present in the Eucharist. The opportunity is there to feel him and truly be a part of the liturgy, an active participant, and not just an onlooker. It is all in how we approach it.

As Christ himself says, he is glorified within us. We are personally his in a very special way. That will never change.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Reading 1
Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven,
raised his voice, and proclaimed:
“Let the whole house of Israel know for certain
that God has made both Lord and Christ,
this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,
and they asked Peter and the other apostles,
“What are we to do, my brothers?”
Peter said to them,
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you,
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is made to you and to your children
and to all those far off,
whomever the Lord our God will call.”
He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them,
“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
Those who accepted his message were baptized,
and about three thousand persons were added that day.

Ps 23: 1-3a, 3b4, 5, 6
Responsorial Psalm  

R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
or:
R. Alleluia. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. or:
R. Alleluia. You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
or:
R. Alleluia. Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
or:
R. Alleluia. 

1 Pt 2:20b-25
Reading 2
Beloved:
If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good,
this is a grace before God.
For to this you have been called,
because Christ also suffered for you,
leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.
He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.
When he was insulted, he returned no insult;
when he suffered, he did not threaten;
instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.
He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross,
so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness.
By his wounds you have been healed.
For you had gone astray like sheep,
but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.


Jn 10:1-10
Gospel
Jesus said:
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate
but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.
But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice,
as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
When he has driven out all his own,
he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him,
because they recognize his voice.
But they will not follow a stranger;
they will run away from him,
because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.”
Although Jesus used this figure of speech,
the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them.


So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
I am the gate for the sheep.
All who came before me are thieves and robbers,
but the sheep did not listen to them.
I am the gate.
Whoever enters through me will be saved,
and will come in and go out and find pasture.
A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy;
I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”


Jesus really didn’t ask too much from anybody when he walked amongst us. Think about it, He came to this Earth with the sole purpose to fulfill what was written down in the Scripture for thousands of years and offer us the opportunity for redemption and eternal life. This Eternal Life has been ours for the taking by simply following His call and recognizing His voice. When Christ asks us to follow Him we make that choice to receive that gift that has always been there; then we can pass through that Christ describes into beautiful pastures and ultimately paradise.

The imagery created in this Gospel Reading defines our relationship with Christ. Jesus describes how a sheep hears the shephard’s voice and immediately recognizes it. The voice is familiar and comforting. With that familiarity comes an obedience and understanding of the wants of the shepherd. The shepherd commands and the sheep listen in a loving way. There is an expectation that what the shepherd does will be in the best interest of the sheep and with that, they respond to the voice. This is how we should be in our relationship with Christ. How can we go wrong opening our hearts and minds to what Christ is trying to say to us? Everything is laid down before us, in some cases spelled out explicitly. We are just asked to listen to Him and follow His voice. How can we go wrong by following the traditions and teachings of the Church that emulate Christ?

We have turned to Christ and He in turn guides us through our lives. We have all entrusted to him our families, children, and our livelihoods. These can be seen as the ultimate acts of faith when we turn everything over to Christ. And He is turn watches over us vigilantly and puts us on sure footing.

We are also warned through Christ that there are others in the world who come forward claiming that they too have the answers to happiness. There are those who will ask others to have trust in what they have to say and do. They will try to influence and lead but only at the expense of those they claim to care about. Christ says it best in Mathew Chapter 6: “You cannot serve both God and Mammon.” In other words, those who are swept up in worldly desire and allures cannot fully give themselves over to Christ, thus their hearts remain impure as are their motives. To truly serve Christ and follow Him, we are challenged to put behind us those worldly thoughts and desire that might corrupt us or corrupt the image of Christ. We are further challenged to improve ourselves every day; to build ourselves up as well as Christ’s Kingdom here on this earth. The two go hand in hand. You cannot improve on one without working on the other.

That is beautiful in itself. We all are such an intricate part of God’s plan that our well-being is as important as any other part of His creation. We have all been lifted up to that plateau and it is Christ’s hope beyond hope that we can stay there. And it cannot be forgotten that Christ will do anything to keep us there safe and secure.

The soothing sound of Christ’s voice can always be heard through the Eucharist, prayer, and our conscious. We just need to make use of these wonder gifts that have been laid before us.

The first reading today emulates just how forgiving and loving Christ is to all of His children. Peter stands up and testifies to those who stood by and watched Christ be crucified and were either complacent or out-rightly endorsed the action. He called them to repentance and baptism: a call to forgiveness. All is forgiven as long as it is asked for. Everyone is welcome into Christ’s kingdom if only they turn to him and renounce what they have done; cast their sins behind their backs as rise above the corruption and degradation around them.

Read how Peter refers to the Christians in Asia Minor as beloved. There is that special relationship developed through Jesus Christ that he has with them that can be felt even through words on paper. There is a genuine concern and care for their well being. It serves as a lesson for all of us to follow. We must have a concern about the well-being of all of those around us, each being a child of God. Who are we to ignore another Child of God or put our own well-being above their own. We must all be lifted up together in order to achieve the goals that Christ puts before us: that is our own salvation as well as every one else’s. Together, as an entire flock we go forward.

Pastoral Letter for Divine Mercy Sunday

would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make Holy Week so special and so spirit 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make Holy Week so special and so spiritually fulfilling. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, we celebrated together in community, reaching the climax with the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. I was amazed by the amount of people in our family who gathered and worshiped together in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. As we drew closer to the Easter Joy, the crowds grew larger and larger. Each moment was a testament to our faith and to Our Lord. The Holy Spirit was definitely moving throughout our parish. It was amazing to witness the standing room only at our first 8:30 Easter Mass in almost nine years on Sunday; only to have that attendance beaten by the 10:30 mass. Hundreds of the faithful came to worship which only intensified the celebration. It was so special to witness and an undeniable honor to be a part of it. From the Altar Severs, lecturers, ushers, collectors, choir members, and all those who worked behind the scenes (you who you are): each individual person was important and invaluable. I feel the need to also mention our beloved priests, Father Murray and Father Walsh, who worked tirelessly throughout the entire week and celebrated each service and mass with an outpouring of faith and love. It is a gift to watch them exercise their office with energy, faith, and vigor. The Christian Faithful, all of us, responded to the calling of Christ and took this opportunity to worship and love Him at the height of our Liturgical Year.

It is the perfect way to enter this Easter Season. For the next seven weeks, we will be challenged to take these feelings of joy and love for Our Lord Jesus Christ, the experience of his Resurrection and carry it with us. We must lift up our hearts as an offering to Jesus and keep our spirits high. We ourselves have been transformed from carrying our own crosses with Christ to Calvary to stepping into the Light of Salvation: a new creation bathed in the Light of the Risen Lord! The celebration has only begun and we are invited to participate in every moment of it. We will not be leaving behind the Easter Joy. It is with us; captured within our souls as it transforms our very being. Let it shape you, guide you, and have a lasting impact on your spirituality.

Today, the Second Sunday of Easter, is Divine Mercy Sunday. This is a day set aside to reflect on Christ's Mercy that he has bequeathed on all of His creation. His Eternal Love flows over us all of the time and has the capability of protecting us, nurturing us, and enveloping us forever. We are encouraged to come forward and praise Christ for this special gift, confess our sins, and continue the Resurrection Celebration. Here we pray for the souls in Purgatory and for the salvation of the entire world. We ask Christ to guide us towards eternal life and to protect us each step of the way.

There is no coincidence that we are also celebrating the Beautification of Pope John Paul II the same day, since it was he who promoted the cause of canonization of Saint Faustina, the visionary who Christ used to evangelize His Divine Mercy to the world. Through Pope John Paul II and Saint Faustina, we are able to form a special relationship to Divine Mercy Sunday: John Paul, one of the longest reigning popes in the History of the Church and Saint Faustina a modern day saint whose trials and tribulations we all can relate to. These individuals have left a lasting impact on our faith and are two who many have witnessed in their own lives, especially Pope John Paul who spanned so many generations while sitting in the Chair of Saint Peter.

Our Easter Blessings seem never to end. What gifts Christ gives to us as Children of God. What cherished memories we can carry with us for the rest of our lives here on this earth and beyond. The Easter Celebration has only begun. Thank you for being a part of it and a part of this Parish Family.

The celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday will be here, at Saint John the Baptist Church, Sunday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Come join in adoring Christ Our Savior and His Divine Mercy.ually fulfilling. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, we celebrated together in community, reaching the climax with the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. I was amazed by the amount of people in our family who gathered and worshiped together in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. As we drew closer to the Easter Joy, the crowds grew larger and larger. Each moment was a testament to our faith and to Our Lord. The Holy Spirit was definitely moving throughout our parish. It was amazing to witness the standing room only at our first 8:30 Easter Mass in almost nine years on Sunday; only to have that attendance beaten by the 10:30 mass. Hundreds of the faithful came to worship which only intensified the celebration. It was so special to witness and an undeniable honor to be a part of it. From the Altar Severs, lecturers, ushers, collectors, choir members, and all those who worked behind the scenes (you who you are): each individual person was important and invaluable. I feel the need to also mention our beloved priests, Father Murray and Father Walsh, who worked tirelessly throughout the entire week and celebrated each service and mass with an outpouring of faith and love. It is a gift to watch them exercise their office with energy, faith, and vigor. The Christian Faithful, all of us, responded to the calling of Christ and took this opportunity to worship and love Him at the height of our Liturgical Year.

It is the perfect way to enter this Easter Season. For the next seven weeks, we will be challenged to take these feelings of joy and love for Our Lord Jesus Christ, the experience of his Resurrection and carry it with us. We must lift up our hearts as an offering to Jesus and keep our spirits high. We ourselves have been transformed from carrying our own crosses with Christ to Calvary to stepping into the Light of Salvation: a new creation bathed in the Light of the Risen Lord! The celebration has only begun and we are invited to participate in every moment of it. We will not be leaving behind the Easter Joy. It is with us; captured within our souls as it transforms our very being. Let it shape you, guide you, and have a lasting impact on your spirituality.

Today, the Second Sunday of Easter, is Divine Mercy Sunday. This is a day set aside to reflect on Christ's Mercy that he has bequeathed on all of His creation. His Eternal Love flows over us all of the time and has the capability of protecting us, nurturing us, and enveloping us forever. We are encouraged to come forward and praise Christ for this special gift, confess our sins, and continue the Resurrection Celebration. Here we pray for the souls in Purgatory and for the salvation of the entire world. We ask Christ to guide us towards eternal life and to protect us each step of the way.

There is no coincidence that we are also celebrating the Beautification of Pope John Paul II the same day, since it was he who promoted the cause of canonization of Saint Faustina, the visionary who Christ used to evangelize His Divine Mercy to the world. Through Pope John Paul II and Saint Faustina, we are able to form a special relationship to Divine Mercy Sunday: John Paul, one of the longest reigning popes in the History of the Church and Saint Faustina a modern day saint whose trials and tribulations we all can relate to. These individuals have left a lasting impact on our faith and are two who many have witnessed in their own lives, especially Pope John Paul who spanned so many generations while sitting in the Chair of Saint Peter.

Our Easter Blessings seem never to end. What gifts Christ gives to us as Children of God. What cherished memories we can carry with us for the rest of our lives here on this earth and beyond. The Easter Celebration has only begun. Thank you for being a part of it and a part of this Parish Family.

The celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday will be here, at Saint John the Baptist Church, Sunday from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Come join in adoring Christ Our Savior and His Divine Mercy.